Bristol Rovers, Coventry City and Barnsley given blow in pursuit of Pompey striker

Bristol Rovers have been handed a blow in their pursuit of Portsmouth’s Conor Chaplin, with his manager stating the 21-year-old will only leave Fratton Park if a replacement can be found.

The striker has been reported as a potential replacement for The Gas’ Ellis Harrison, as the 24-year-old is linked with a move away from the Memorial Stadium.

Though, Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett is adamant that Chaplin will stay on the South Coast if Pompey fail to find a new striker.

“It’s not so much about the fee, it’s about strengthening the squad”, Jackett told the Portsmouth News .

“Are we looking for replacements? Yes, of course. Are we looking to improve the squad? Yes, no doubt.

“If I can turn the situation into a positive for Portsmouth, then yes I will entertain it. But unless it turns into a positive for us where we get player or players to make us stronger then nothing is going to happen.”

However, Chaplin only has a year remaining on his current contract, and that could work in Rovers’ favour, should manager Darrell Clarke opt to make the forward his sixth signing of the summer.

Clarke said earlier this week, that he is keen to add some more new faces to his tight-knit squad, with a striker near the top of the list following Rory Gaffney’s move to Salford City.

“There are all different sorts of circumstances which mean players go to other clubs but we are working hard and we want to get one or two more in”, he confirmed.